Exercise guide
Lever Reverse Grip Preacher Curl
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Upper arms
This isolation exercise targets the brachialis and brachioradialis (forearms) by using a pronated grip, which shifts the load away from the biceps brachii for superior arm thickness.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the seat height so that your armpits rest snugly against the top of the preacher pad.
- Grasp the machine handles with a shoulder-width, overhand (pronated) grip, palms facing down.
- Plant your feet firmly on the floor and ensure your triceps are fully supported and flat against the padding.
How to do it
- Exhale as you curl the handles toward your shoulders in a smooth arc, keeping your wrists neutral and locked.
- Squeeze the forearms and brachialis at the top of the movement for a one-second peak contraction.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the weight back to the starting position using a 3-second eccentric tempo.
- Stop just before your elbows fully lock out to maintain constant tension on the muscles.
Form checklist
- Keep your wrists straight; do not let them flex or extend during the curl.
- Ensure your chest and triceps remain in contact with the pad at all times.
- Avoid shrugging your shoulders or using body momentum to lift the weight.
- Maintain a firm, full-palm grip on the handles throughout the set.
Pro tips
- Focus on driving the movement through your pinky and ring fingers to maximize brachioradialis engagement.
- Keep your elbows tucked and parallel; do not let them flare outward as you fatigue.
Make it harder
- Incorporate 'bottom-half' partial repetitions after reaching failure on full-range reps.
- Pause for 2 seconds at the midpoint of the eccentric phase to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lever reverse grip preacher curl work?
- The lever reverse grip preacher curl primarily targets the biceps, and also works the triceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lever reverse grip preacher curl?
- The lever reverse grip preacher curl uses leverage machine.
- Is the lever reverse grip preacher curl good for beginners?
- Yes. The lever reverse grip preacher curl is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.